Order of M.C. Beaton Books
Cozy Mystery
Mystery
Detective Fiction
M.C. Beaton was the pen name of Marion Chesney (1936-2019), a prolific Scottish author who wrote over 100 novels. She is best known for her two beloved cozy mystery series: Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth. Both series have been adapted for television. Beaton's books are characterized by their humor, charming British settings, and memorable characters. After her death, author R.W. Green continued both series.
24 books•2 series
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Agatha Raisin
12 books
The Agatha Raisin series follows a middle-aged former PR executive who retires to the Cotswolds village of Carsely. Chain-smoking, sharp-tongued, and romantically unlucky, Agatha is an unconventional amateur sleuth who solves crimes through determination and meddling.
Main Characters
Reading Order
1
The Quiche of Death
1992
#1 in series
2
The Vicious Vet
1993
#2 in series
3
The Potted Gardener
1994
#3 in series
4
The Walkers of Dembley
1995
#4 in series
5
The Murderous Marriage
1996
#5 in series
6
The Terrible Tourist
1997
#6 in series
7
The Wellspring of Death
1998
#7 in series
8
The Witch of Wyckhadden
2000
#8 in series
9
The Love from Hell
2001
#9 in series
10
The Day the Floods Came
2002
#10 in series
11
The Deadly Dance
2004
#11 in series
12
The Perfect Paragon
2005
#12 in series
Hamish Macbeth
12 books
Set in the fictional Scottish Highlands village of Lochdubh, the series follows police constable Hamish Macbeth. Appearing lazy but actually sharp, he deliberately avoids promotion to stay in his beloved village. With his pets, Hamish solves murders using local knowledge and intuition.
Main Characters
Reading Order
1
Death of a Gossip
1985
#1 in series
2
Death of a Cad
1987
#2 in series
3
Death of an Outsider
1988
#3 in series
4
Death of a Perfect Wife
1989
#4 in series
5
Death of a Hussy
1990
#5 in series
6
Death of a Snob
1991
#6 in series
7
Death of a Prankster
1992
#7 in series
8
Death of a Glutton
1993
#8 in series
9
Death of a Travelling Man
1993
#9 in series
10
Death of a Charming Man
1994
#10 in series
11
Death of a Nag
1995
#11 in series
12
Death of a Macho Man
1996
#12 in series
Books in Publication Order
Books in Chronological Order
This is the recommended reading order based on the story timeline.